The Netherlands international is surplus to requirements at the Etihad Stadium and has been targeted by Inter as they look to bolster their midfield options after a disappointing sixth-placed finish in Serie A last season.

However, AC Milan are the new favourites to secure the 27-year-old's signature before the transfer window closes in nine days' time.

De Jong, who joined City from Hamburg for £18m in January 2009, has only one year remaining on his contract in Manchester and is keen to move on after losing his starting place to Gareth Barry last term, while the signing of Jack Rodwell from Everton last month is likely to lessen his first-team opportunities.